Job Introduction

Since our launch in 1997, Card Factory has become the fastest growing greetings card retailer in the UK. When it comes to special occasions, whatever the need, we’ve got it wrapped up! And we’re still growing; today we have over 1000 stores, in every corner of the UK. 

Technology increasingly underpins everything we do here at Card Factory and is an area we are investing into heavily. 

Our IT Service and Operations function delivers high quality core technology services across the Card Factory Group, and is responsible for supporting our daily operations along with making relevant contributions to our IT strategy and business change programmes.  The department implements, maintains, secures and improves a range of network and infrastructure services to allow Card Factory to operate and grow 

To ensure availability and suitability of technology, and provide support for all Card Factory IT infrastructure.  The infrastructure team manage a range of technologies that support Card Factory systems and processes.   

You will assist in implementing network and infrastructure changes that will support current and future requirements and ensure a secure network. 

You will need to use a diverse and current skill set, and communicate with colleagues at all levels to provide operational IT service but also to collaborate on projects and provide IT expertise to contribute towards business goals.  

Role Responsibility

• Be an escalation point to the Service Desk on BAU Incidents. 
• Act as an escalation point and mentor other IT Infrastructure Team Members. 
• Contribute to and uphold best practices. 
• Problem management and root cause analysis. 
• Identify and suggest operational improvements. 
• Be involved in key projects and rollout programs for new technical implementations. 
• Produce documentation of systems, configurations and changes as required. 
• Deputise for Technical Services Manager as required. 
• Provide support for the following, but not limited to: 
  • Windows Server 2008 - 2019 
  • Microsoft Server Technologies including but not limited to: Active Directory, Exchange, Remote Desktop Services, Group Policy, & WSUS. 
  • Virtualisation Technologies – VMWare & Hyper V 
  • Azure Cloud 
  • AV – Sophos Cloud 
  • SAN – Dell / EMC / NetApp 
  • Networking – Cisco/Dell/HP/Aruba 
  • Integration Support from a Technical perspective 
• Ensuring that the Groups Backup Technologies are running efficiently and are tested regularly. 
• Ensure that AV and Firewall technologies are fit for purpose and operating correctly. 
• Maintain existing systems using the infrastructure monitoring tools. 
• Support the drive towards leveraging more Cloud based and Automation Technologies where appropriate. 

The Ideal Candidate

Education/Qualifications/Training: 

• Microsoft MCSE / MCITP certification or demonstrable equivalent experience.

Specific Experience:  

Required 

• Extensive Microsoft client and server administration experience. 
• Strong skills and experience with virtualisation technologies including backup. 
• Server and Network Hardware skills. 
• Network infrastructure implementation and maintenance experience. 
• Experience of VMware vSphere products. 
• Experience of Azure Cloud Computing 
• Enterprise shared storage management experience.  
• Experience designing and implementing changes and improvements. 
• Experience of mentoring and coaching other team members. 

Desired 

• AWS / Azure based infrastructure. 
• Cisco/Sonicwall Firewalls. 
• Dell Compellent / EMC Unity / NetApp SAN configuration and administration. 
• Configuration Hardening. 
• Foglight Monitoring. 
• KACE 
• ZScaler 
• Infrastructure Automation Skills. 
• Rapid Recovery / Netvault / Qorestor Backup 
• Sophos Cloud AV. 

Other person requirements: 

• Strong technical aptitude, with a passion for learning new skills. 
• Able to operate in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills. 
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple issues and projects concurrently. 
• Able to interact with users and stakeholders at all levels. 
• Strong communication skills. 
• Ability to discuss complex technical issues with a non-technical audience. 
• Full clean driving license. 

This role may involve out of hours and weekend working to support the business needs and the ideal candidate will hold a full clean driving license as travel between group sites will be required. 

About the Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greetings cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland.  In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer.  This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.  

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.

Benefits

• Pension
• 15% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support       
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Retail Management Apprenticeship Programmes with local providers with access to a virtual internal network for learning together
• Discounted gym membership, mobile phone contracts, and car leasing
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption leave

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

For any questions email: vacancies@cardfactory.co.uk (we do not accept CVs/Applications via email) 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. 

No agencies, please.

Sportswift Ltd T/A cardfactory